Ruritan Club and District Officers' Handbook

Ethics Policy for Ruritan Members and Paid Personnel Ruritan National’s policy is to uphold the highest legal, ethical, and moral standards. Ruritan National believes strongly that its members must uphold the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior. We recognize that the chief function of Ruritan National at all times is to serve the best interests of our stakeholders, constituents, members, and clubs. All paid personnel, volunteer personnel, board members, officers, trustees, and volunteers are expected to serve with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness in carrying out the organization’s mission. The paid and volunteer staff of the organization respect the structure, authority, and responsibilities of the board of directors. We are committed to providing the board with facts and advice as a basis for policy decisions, and we are further committed to upholding and implementing policies adopted by the board. All paid personnel, volunteer personnel, board members, officers, trustees, and volunteers must demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fortitude in carrying out the organization’s functions. Ruritan National will comply with all applicable laws and regulations and expects its board members, officers, trustees, employees, and volunteers to conduct business in accordance with the letter and spirit of all relevant laws. The organization’s paid personnel, volunteer personnel, board members, officers, trustees, and volunteers will treat all persons with respect and consideration, regardless of race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or national origin. Respect for and the commitment to protect confidential or otherwise privileged information is an important value. All personnel will strive for personal and professional excellence and encourage the professional development of others. Rationale: This is to develop a policy to reduce risk to Ruritan National. (See BDM Apr 2010, motion 05) Each investigation is to be thoroughly documented; all documents are to be kept secured at the level the investigation was conducted (Club, District, National records); with a complete copy forwarded to the National Office. Retaliation Prohibited: RURITAN NATIONAL expressly prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination or harassment or assists in investigating such charges. Any form of retaliation is considered a direct violation of this policy and, like discrimination or harassment itself, may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Disciplinary Action: Disciplinary action at RURITAN NATIONAL is intended to fairly and impartially correct behavior early on and to prevent recurrence. RURITAN NATIONAL reserves the right to administer disciplinary action at its discretion and based upon the circumstances.

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Revised 8/2024